Council adopts master fee schedule with permit penalty language; references failed electrical ordinance

The Sydney City Council on Aug. 26 approved the city's annual master fee schedule, adopting minor across‑the‑board changes and new language intended to encourage compliance with building permits. Staff said golf fees saw small increases and the inspection section added a provision that "all building service permit fees are double if the work is started without a permit that it requires it."

Staff also noted the master fee schedule referenced Ordinance 18‑76 (the electrical rate ordinance) and that because that ordinance failed earlier in the meeting, staff will amend the fee schedule to revert to the prior ordinance language as necessary. Councilmembers moved to pass the fee schedule as amended and the motion passed.

The presenter said there was no broad cost‑recovery change this year and emphasized the permit language was intended to prompt property owners to consult the building office before starting work. Council discussion was brief and procedural.